Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from defeat in Le Classique on Monday night by beating Auxerre 2-0 to return to the top of the Ligue 1 standings, while the visitors’ four-match away losing run now includes two losses at the Parc des Princes.
Injury meant Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele appeared only in tifo form ahead of kick-off, but the early trickery of Goncalo Ramos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suggested PSG would still have enough firepower.
Yet, with the exception of an early Warren Zaire-Emery strike which deflected kindly for goalkeeper Donovan Leon, the home side created little in terms of real chances in the opening 30 minutes.
However, the European champions quickly turned the screw soon after as Leon comfortably saved Lee Kang-in’s strike from range, before the recycled ball was worked into Kvaratskhelia, who turned and fired to force the visitors’ goalkeeper into action once more.
The resulting corner was played short to Vitinha, and his deep cross was met at the back post by the cushioned volley of Illia Zabarnyi, who scored his first goal for the club, ensuring PSG set a new club record of scoring in 36 consecutive home league matches.
What looked to be an ideal opportunity for a second for Les Parisiens arrived two minutes after half-time, when Lee sent substitute Bradley Barcola racing through on goal, but Leon did well to smother the chance.
PSG only needed to wait for another chance to execute a short-corner routine, which arrived eight minutes later – this time it was Senny Mayulu who provided the cross for the unmarked Lucas Beraldo, who did the rest with his head.
Having barely threatened all game, Les Icaunais were almost back in it four minutes later, when Kevin Danois’ dipping effort clattered against the post with Lucas Chevalier beaten.
Auxerre had scored exactly once in 12 of their previous 14 before tonight, and only better reactions from Chevalier to deny Danny Namaso prevented their customary goal, before the offside flag chalked off an Achraf Hakimi chip, which denied PSG a third.
They came close again late on when Quentin Ndjantou’s effort struck Leon in the chest, however, two goals were enough for Luis Enrique’s team to stay perfect at home in all competitions this season, and leave Auxerre without a win over them since 2011.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Illia Zabarnyi (Paris Saint-Germain)
